Safe Environment

Safe Environment Program

The Diocese of Worcester created Safe Environment program for all individuals in the diocese to help promote awareness of sexual abuse, help to prevent abuse, and to encourage survivors of abuse to seek the healing they deserve.

Why Safe Environment Programs?

Article 12 of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People calls for a Safe Environment program for each diocese in the United States:

ARTICLE 12. Dioceses/eparchies will establish "safe environment" programs. They will cooperate with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children. Dioceses/eparchies will make clear to clergy and all members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse.

In response to Article 12, the Diocese of Worcester created its own Safe Environment program to ensure that the program respects the magisterium of the Church. These programs were created by individuals and experts in the field of sexual abuse.